Eat, Drink, Play - Food, Wine & Travel

Travel Q&A: South Africa tourism suggestions?

Washington Post travel staff

Posted:
03/05/2014 03:00:00 PM PST

Updated:
03/06/2014 02:31:50 PM PST

Brianna Heldt, of Aptos, takes a quiet moment to herself last month in the Robben Island prison cell where Nelson Mandela spent 27 years. Heldt was on a learning journey to South Africa and Swaziland with her Mount Madonna school classmates. (Shmuel Thaler/Sentinel)
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Shmuel Thaler
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Q My husband and I will be spending about four days in Cape Town and four in Knysna, South Africa. Is a tour of Robben Island prison a must? Any great restaurant recommendations?

A Yes, take the tour, which will be especially moving after the recent death of former South African President Nelson Mandela, who was imprisoned in a small Robben Island cell for 18 years of his 27-year confinement and assigned to hard labor.

When I was in Cape Town, I had an amazing dining experience at Pollsmoor Prison. As part of a work training program, the inmates learn restaurant skills, practicing on you. Our server was delightful, and the food was good.

Other suggestions: The Roundhouse on Table Mountain, the Codfather, Beluga and Tokara, set in a wine estate.

Q We'll be marrying in October in the Caribbean, where we both grew up. Our idea for the honeymoon is a place where we can relax, do sightseeing when we want to, a place where we haven't been before. Any suggestions?

A I "heart" Morocco and think it's the perfect honeymoon spot, with its romantic casbahs, mountains and desert, ocean and white-as-a-wedding-dress architecture.

For something a bit closer, you might consider Cuba (you'll have to go with a certified tour group) or Ecuador, where you can mix city sights (Quito) with nature (Galapagos Islands), or Colombia, which oozes culture and intrigue.

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Q Travel insurance generally includes medical coverage. Is there anything comparable for a legal issue? The usual advice for an American arrested abroad is "Call the embassy and get a list of local lawyers."

A Your best bet really is to call the embassy. Some large businesses contract with companies that provide medical evacuations and other services for legal referrals, but typically that kind of coverage isn't sold to individuals.

Q Do hotels lower their prices at the last minute to fill empty rooms?

A They may. The very best thing to do is to call. I find that I often get a better price -- even if it's only $10 better -- if I call to make a reservation than if I do it online. This is particularly true if I'm booking at the last minute. Many hotels will also waive two-night minimums, for instance, if they haven't filled all their rooms.